I was raised to understand the values of responsibility, good education, work, duty to family and God. If I adhere to these values then life will go well for me. It was not a formula for success, and definitely not for financial abundance, but I was taught that I could have a good life and be happy along the way if I stay true to these teachings. So I was a ‘good girl’ (as my mother would describe me) and never dared to get into trouble.
It was during my high school days that I began to think how boring and predictable life is. One goes through a routine of schooling, getting a job after graduation, marrying if one was lucky, having kids and imparting to them the same values so the cycle begins with them again, growing old and then death. After death was maybe heaven (whatever that was…no one really could explain it to me) if I had been good enough and been diligent in my religious duties to the church and to others.
In my sophomore year in college someone shared with me that the God I knew and heard of, wanted me to know Him personally and not just when I go to church. I could know Him personally through reading the bible (which we never did, at home or school). But the most important eye opener for me was when I read Jesus’ very words “I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly, that it might be full and meaningful.” (John 10:10). I realized then that my life doesn’t have to be boring. I was not meant to just be a part of a certain cycle in life. Jesus wanted my life to mean something, to have a purpose. I chose then to embark on an adventure. I asked Jesus to lead me through this adventure, to be my Savior and Lord.
Now, a few decades later, the adventure continues. There have been many very difficult but rich periods in my life. God gave me the privilege to work with people from all walks of life in different parts of this globe. I have seen the pure joy in someone’s eyes as they come to know how very much God loves them. I have struggled and still do (hopefully to a lesser degree) with faith issues for my family and friends, our finances, our ministry, our church, our country. But each day I discover in the process something more of Him that is enough to satisfy my soul.
Life has never been dull for me since Jesus came to fill my life. Life is indeed good. Nothing can replace the joy of knowing that I am loved and accepted as I am by God and not because of any of my human endeavors. And heaven? Well…I’m still discovering the what’s, where’s, how’s etc. about it. But then what’s more important now is just to enjoy my relationship with God each single day.
